Outcast Malouda to be offered way out of Chelsea hell by former club Lyon

Chelsea outcast Florent Malouda looks set for a move back to Lyon in January after the French club's president confirmed they were interested in the winger's services.

Malouda has been a key part of Chelsea's side since joining from Lyon in 2007 but he was deemed surplus to requirements this summer as new manager Roberto Di Matteo set about rebuilding the Blues' squad.

Surplus to requirements: Malouda is set to leave Chelsea in January

The 32-year-old Frenchman has been banished to train with the club's Under 21 side, but Jean-Michel Aulas has revealed he hopes to bring the 80-cap international back to the Stade de Gerland - where he spent four years before leaving for Stamford Bridge.

'Our door is always open to former players,' Aulas admitted. 'Malouda has been in contact with our coaching team very recently.

'We've also spoken with Jeremy Toulalan who has been having problems at Malaga.'